Alton art fun on April Fool’s Day

Artist Dave Daniel’s work, pictured, will be featured at Artfools, a presentation of Riverbend artists’ work, starting at 6 p.m., Friday, April 1, at Shakers, 554 E. Broadway, Alton.

For The Telegraph

Artist Jean Cousley, owner/operator of JMC Design Gallery, is hosting Artfools, which also will feature live music from the Sandwich Band from 6-8 p.m., and Mars Needs Guitars, from 8-11 p.m., Friday, April 1, at Shakers.

For The Telegraph

Artist Rodney Leyda is among the many artists with featured work, pictured, at Artfools.

For The Telegraph

ALTON — Shake off April Fool’s Day at Artfools Friday.

A representative sampling of JMC Design Gallery artists’ work will be on display and for sale starting at 6 p.m., Friday, April 1, at Shakers, 554 E. Broadway, in Alton. Some of the art will remain at Shakers, while the rest will return to JMC Design after the event, which is sponsoring the event. JMC Design is a retail gallery and boutique with a variety of art at all different price points, Fair Trade items, jewelry and essential oils to name a few of JMC’s offerings.

Shakers, a music club that opened in the last year, has proven to be a big supporter of Riverbend artists and musicians. Artfools will feature both with live music from the Sandwich Band from 6 to 8 p.m. and Mars Needs Guitars from 8 to 11 p.m. There is no cover for the Artfools event and the cash bar will be open.

JMC Design artist and owner, Jean Cousley, acquired the building about two decades ago with a passion for interior design, which she also does, art and supporting not only her own creative outlets, but those of other Riverbend artists and like-minded residents. Artfools will be one of her biggest exhibition endeavors to date outside of JMC Design.

“I want to make the art accessible to more people,” she explained. “Sometimes it’s thought that galleries are expensive or stuffy, so I want to provide other venues to see and acquire art, as well as JMC Design. It’s a way to support other small businesses, local music and culture in Alton.”

Cousley also exhibits local artwork from JMC Design Gallery at Gentelin’s on Broadway, one of Alton’s fine dining destinations.

JMC Design Gallery is located at 726 Belle St., across from the U.S. Post Office, in Alton.For more information, check out the JMC Design Facebook page at facebook.com/JMCDesignGalleryCoOp.

Artist Dave Daniel’s work, pictured, will be featured at Artfools, a presentation of Riverbend artists’ work, starting at 6 p.m., Friday, April 1, at Shakers, 554 E. Broadway, Alton.

http://thetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_cousleydavedaniel.jpgArtist Dave Daniel’s work, pictured, will be featured at Artfools, a presentation of Riverbend artists’ work, starting at 6 p.m., Friday, April 1, at Shakers, 554 E. Broadway, Alton. For The Telegraph

Artist Jean Cousley, owner/operator of JMC Design Gallery, is hosting Artfools, which also will feature live music from the Sandwich Band from 6-8 p.m., and Mars Needs Guitars, from 8-11 p.m., Friday, April 1, at Shakers.

http://thetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_cousleypenopaquewatercolor.jpgArtist Jean Cousley, owner/operator of JMC Design Gallery, is hosting Artfools, which also will feature live music from the Sandwich Band from 6-8 p.m., and Mars Needs Guitars, from 8-11 p.m., Friday, April 1, at Shakers. For The Telegraph

Artist Rodney Leyda is among the many artists with featured work, pictured, at Artfools.

http://thetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_cousleyrodneyleyda2.jpgArtist Rodney Leyda is among the many artists with featured work, pictured, at Artfools. For The Telegraph